Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward HIV Chemoprophylaxis Among Urban Residents in a High HIV Prevalence New York City Neighborhood
Abstract
Purpose: Barriers to uptake of HIV chemoprophylaxis (PEP/PrEP), like stigma, have emerged within MSM communities. Little research on barriers exists among residents of high HIV prevalence cities. We evaluated knowledge,... [ view full abstract ]
Purpose: Barriers to uptake of HIV chemoprophylaxis (PEP/PrEP), like stigma, have emerged within MSM communities. Little research on barriers exists among residents of high HIV prevalence cities. We evaluated knowledge, beliefs and attitudes toward HIV chemoprophylaxis in New York City.
Methods: Data derive from 578 anonymous, street-intercept surveys conducted on randomly selected blocks in two NYC neighborhoods in June 2015. HIV chemoprophylaxis knowledge was assessed by asking: “There are medications (‘PrEP’) to take for people who do not have HIV that prevent HIV.” Correct knowledge was provided to all participants after administering this question. Beliefs about people who use HIV chemoprophylaxis: “If someone who does not have HIV is taking medication to prevent HIV, they are probably having too much sex or sex with the wrong kind of people.” Attitudes: “I would want a female/male relative who does NOT have HIV to take a medication to prevent HIV.” Associations among sociodemographics, HIV-related factors and knowledge, beliefs and attitude factors were calculated.
Results: Just 28% reported correct knowledge. Over half endorsed negative beliefs; 36% and 28% endorsed negative attitudes for women and men, respectively. Negative beliefs were more common among older, Black or Latino, Caribbean descent, and low education respondents. Respondents with friends or family who were gay and lesbian were less likely to endorse negative beliefs. Correlates of negative attitudes toward HIV chemoprophylaxis for women included: older age, not having a friend of family member living with HIV and not having attended an anti- homophobia workshop. No associations were found with HIV chemoprophylaxis for men.
Conclusions: Lack of knowledge, negative beliefs and attitudes toward HIV chemoprophylaxis have the potential to limit PEP/PrEP uptake among residents of urban, high HIV prevalence neighborhoods. It is important to recognize and address all the potential sources of stigma related to these biomedical prevention methods.
Authors
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Victoria Frye
(City University of New York)
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Davida Farhat
(Columbia University)
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Mark Paige
(New)
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Steven Gordon
(Gay Men of African Descent)
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David Matthews
(Brooklyn Men Konnect/Bridging Access to Care)
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Emily Greene
(New York Blood Center)
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Vaughn Taylor-Akutagawa
(Gay Men of African Descent)
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Beryl Koblin
(New York Blood Center)
Topic Areas
IV. Behaviors 4.1 Mobilities and health 4.2 Spatial analysis of substance abuse and treatm , II. Urban Health at the intersection of urban environment, social determinants and places , VI. Research and action 6.1 Collaboration; interaction of researchers; stakeholders 6.2 S
Session
PS-2 » POSTER SESSION 2 (11:45 - Saturday, 2nd April, TBA)
Paper
ICUH_Prep_CHHANGE_Frye_et_al_v1.docx
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